Curious about studying English Language and Linguistics MAat University of Westminster, London? We've gathered all the key details—entry requirements, modules, fees, and more. Hear from real students by checking out reviews, or take the next step by booking an open day to explore it for yourself.
MA - Master of Arts
Regent Campus
Full Time
Jan 2027
1 Year
The English Language and Linguistics MA explores the linguistic features of English from theoretical, applied, synchronic and diachronic perspectives. Our course will enable you to understand and evaluate critically a wide spectrum of ideas in the study of the English language, particularly in connection with linguistic variation in terms of space, time, communicative context and linguistic contact. It will also equip you with the intellectual perspectives and scholarly skills to conduct independent research.The MA is for you if you've taken English language and/or linguistics modules at undergraduate level, or if you've studied allied disciplines such as psychology, philosophy or TESOL. It's of particular interest if you're wishing to pursue further study, or if you're teaching English and wish to gain a further qualification and investigate current developments in the field.If studying the degree full-time, you'll complete 180 credits in one academic year; if part-time, you'll normally complete 180 credits in two academic years. You'll study four core modules (including a 60-credit dissertation on a topic of English language and/or linguistics), as well as two modules from the list of options. The core module Language and Learning: Description and Analysis equips you with all the necessary theoretical and analytical tools you need to describe and analyse language with specific reference to English language teaching. The two core modules, Multilingualism, Concepts and Applications, and English Worldwide examine linguistic variation and contact in English and other languages from a wide range of perspectives, both historical and present-day, and many of the options complement this approach. You can explore TESOL issues as part of your options.Teaching is mainly delivered through weekly two- or three-hour sessions for each module, which include tutorials, seminars, practical sessions and workshops. There's also independent self-directed study, and you'll be prepared for the dissertation via structured sessions in research methodology. Assessment methods include submitted coursework such as essays, reviews and exercises – there are no formal exams.
This module introduces and encourages in-depth exploration of core concepts in the description and analysis of language with specific reference to English language teaching. The module also introduces and encourages in-depth exploration of core concepts in language learning with specific reference to second language acquisition and the implications of these concepts for the language teacher. The module is divided into two units: the first on language description and analysis; the second on language learning.
This module introduces you to the major theoretical frameworks for studying language contact by exploring the different processes, causes, types, effects, and outcomes that emerge from contact contexts: e.g. bilingualism, pidginization, creolisation, diglossia, borrowing, code-switching, linguistic change. The module adopts a cross-linguistic perspective and will include contexts ranging from dominant language ecologies to cases of severe language endangerment.
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